Wow! So your child turns one this year, you can give your child a healthy oral hygiene routine. Often parents overlook the dangers of cavities. The fact is even babies and toddlers can fall prey to cavities and tooth decay. Parents need to realise that babies below the age of one also have tooth decay because cavities start to form as young as 6 months or from the first time the baby’s first tooth appears. Visit Centre Dentaire Blanc for more information on dental hygiene.
The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends parents for paediatric dental exam when they find the first tooth of the baby or by the first birthday as these are the milestones for a child. You may also find it surprising that even babies who have no teeth should be taken to the dentist by the time they turn 1. If you still have questions about why you should consider taking your child to the dentist so early, you must know that more than 21 % of American children aged 2 to 5 have tooth cavities. At the same time, children who are taken to the dentist by the first year have less chances of developing tooth cavities. Additionally, research recommends that for parents who delay the dental checkup of a child, the risk of developing tooth cavities nearly doubles each year.
Let us see if going to the dentist has any impact on lowering the cavities in children.
Firstly, the problem arises when parents do not understand the baby’s oral health. There is a lot of misinformation about cavities and it is often disregarded. The first dental visit is a great opportunity for new parents to understand the baby’s oral hygiene and health. For parents who have already seen early signs of tooth decay in their child’s teeth, visiting the dentist early probably helps them to reverse the decay and reconstruct the tooth before changing into a tooth cavity. The sooner the child is brought to the dentist the better as the dentist can reverse the tooth decay which may permanently damage the child’s tooth if left untreated.
Sometimes parents don’t understand the problem as children fail to communicate their feelings. The pain caused due to tooth decay is mistaken as teething or anything that can be overlooked. Treating the cavity early helps in protecting the teeth and can avoid serious damage and infections that occur relatively quickly in young children.
What to expect at your child’s first dental checkup
The first check-up is overwhelming for the parents and baby as well. However, the dentist will make it comfortable and enjoyable for the baby. The check-up includes an examination of the baby’s teeth where the dentist will look for signs of tooth decay. If the dentist notices any enamel erosion the parents would be suggested to take extra precautions to help the child in protecting the teeth.
Usually, the first dental visit of the baby turns out to be an educational opportunity for parents as the paediatrician will ensure that the parents understand the child’s oral health and what routine to form for the baby. The paediatrician demonstrates a proper process of cleaning the baby’s teeth that will help the parents understand how to brush and floss for the baby. This will prevent cavities and address early signs of tooth decay. The in-person guidance from paediatric dentists does not have any substitute as they demonstrate every step to help parents achieve good oral health
Not only does the dentist provide counselling and guidance for cleaning the teeth, but also shares knowledge about eating habits and the baby’s diet. Most of the children who snack a lot or indulge in a lot of sugary foods are prone to cavities. Therefore the parents will receive proper diet consultation that will help to maintain the child’s oral health.
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